Oranges

ORANGES

Source:
United States Department of Agriculture
Handbook # 66

Orange quality does not improve in storage.  Oranges ordinarily deteriorate faster in storage than if left on the tree under normal weather conditions.  In addition, the fruit are subject to several kinds of decay and other disorders that may develop during storage.  Florida and Texas oranges are particularly susceptible to stem-end rots, especially during the early de-greening season.  Fruit from all sections are subject to blue mold and green mold rots.

Blue mold and green mold rots may become serious at higher temperatures.

When ethylene is removed from the storage atmosphere, there is less stem-end decay and less loss of desirable orange flavor during storage.

Stem-end rind breakdown or aging is the most common physiological disease of oranges.